Information sought on man held in...

CRIME & COURTS

December 24, 2009

CRIME & COURTSInformation sought on man held in jail SOUTH BEND -- St. Joseph County police are asking the owners of any businesses that have had dealings with Everett James Paalman Jr., 39, of Elkhart to contact them. Sgt. Bill Redman said Paalman is being held in the St. Joseph County Jail, suspected of fraud, and a hold out of Elkhart County. He said police believe Paalman has been involved in "numerous fraud cases" in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Paalman also has used the names James Paalman and Jim Everett, and has used checks from two businesses with the names of SMP & Associates and EKJ Investments, according to Redman. Redman asked people who have dealt with him to call Detective Eric Kaser or Detective Phil Williams at (574) 235-9569. GOVERNMENTState's system for vital records down INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana State Department of Health reports its vital records system currently is down and the department will not be able to issue birth or death certificates until the system is running again. That could be no later than Jan. 4. Hoosiers who need a copy of a birth or death certificate are encouraged to visit the local health department in the county where the birth or death occurred to obtain the record.